Magnetic garment attachment system

ABSTRACT

Implementations of a magnetic garment attachment system are provided. In some implementations, a magnetic garment attachment system may be used to secure and/or position a clothing accessory (e.g., a necktie) on an article of clothing (e.g., a shirt or coat). In some implementations, a magnetic garment attachment system comprises a clothing accessory having one or more attached magnets and complimentary loose magnet(s). In some implementations, the clothing accessory may be a necktie, a bow tie, a pocket square, a handkerchief, or a boutonniere.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to implementations of a magnetic garmentattachment system.

BACKGROUND

Neckties, bow ties, pockets squares, and handkerchiefs are popularclothing accessories. Conventionally, neckties and bow ties are securedabout the neck using two opposite ends thereof to form either a knot orloops, respectively. This requires a level of dexterity and proficientlythat may be difficult to learn or impossible for those who are disabled.

Handkerchiefs and pocket squares are typically stored in the frontpocket of a jacket or shirt. Both handkerchiefs and pocket squares relyon friction to prevent them from falling down into the pocket.Oftentimes, there is not sufficient friction to prevent handkerchiefsand pocket squares from falling down into the pocket. As a result, theuser may need to frequently adjust the handkerchief or pocket square tomaintain optimal aesthetic appeal.

Still further, some clothing accessories (e.g., a boutonniere) use sharpobjects such as a pin that have to penetrate an article of clothing tobe secured thereto. This can damage the article of clothing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a first example implementation of a magnetic garmentattachment system of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a second example implementation of a magnetic garmentattachment system of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a third example implementation of a magnetic garmentattachment system of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a fourth example implementation of a magnetic garmentattachment system of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a fifth example implementation of a magnetic garmentattachment system in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Implementations of a magnetic garment attachment system are provided. Insome implementations, the magnetic garment attachment system may be usedto secure and/or position a clothing accessory on an article of clothing(e.g., a shirt, jacket lapel, etc.). In some implementations, themagnetic garment attachment system comprises a clothing accessory havingone or more attached magnets and complimentary loose magnet(s). In someimplementations, the clothing accessory may be a necktie, a bow tie, apocket square, a handkerchief, or a boutonniere. In someimplementations, a clothing accessory may be any suitable article ofclothing for which attachment to another article of clothing isdesirable.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate implementations of magnetic garment attachmentsystems 100, 200, 300, 400 according to the present disclosure. In someimplementations, a magnetic garment attachment system may be used tosecure and/or position a clothing accessory (e.g., a necktie 115 (FIG.1), a bow tie 225 (FIG. 2), a pocket square 335 (FIG. 3), orhandkerchief 445 (FIG. 4)) on an article of clothing (e.g., a shirt or acoat). In some implementations, a magnetic garment attachment systemaccording to the present disclosure may be used to secure and/orposition any suitable article of clothing for which attachment toanother article of clothing is desirable.

FIG. 1 illustrates a first example implementation of a magnetic garmentattachment system 100 of the present disclosure. In someimplementations, the attachment system 100 includes a necktie 115 havinga pre-formed knot 116, a tongue 117 extending from the knot 116, and aneck portion comprised of two strips 118 a, 118 b extending from theknot 116. In some implementations, the two strips 118 a, 118 b may beconfigured to fit about a wearer's neck similarly to a conventional tie.

In some implementations, each strip 118 a, 118 b includes a magnet 105a, 105 b (collectively 105), respectively, secured within the distal endof each strip 118 a, 118 b. In some implementations, the magnets 105 maybe secured by stitching, by an adhesive, or by any other suitable meansknown to one of ordinary skill in the art. In some implementations, themagnets 105 may be secured within the interior of the strips such thatthey are not visible. In some implementations, the magnets 105 may besecured on the exterior of the strips. In some implementations, themagnets 105 may be secured on any suitable portion of the strips.

The magnetic garment attachment system 100 further comprises loosemagnets 110 a, 110 b (collectively 110) that are used in conjunctionwith magnets 105 a, 105 b, respectively to secure the necktie 115 to anarticle of clothing. In some implementations, magnets 105 a, 105 b mayhave a polarity that is opposite in charge to a polarity of the loosemagnet 110 a, 110 b, respectively. In some implementations, the magneticconnection between magnets 105 and 110 may be shearable. In someimplementations, the magnets 105, 110 may be comprised of aferromagnetic material. In some implementations, the magnets 105, 110may be rare-earth magnets (e.g., samarium-cobalt orneodymium-iron-boron). In some implementations, the magnets 105, 110 mayhave a cylindrical shape. In some implementations, the magnets 105, 110may have a rectangular shape. In some implementations, the magnets 105,110 may be any suitable shape.

To secure a necktie 100 to an article of clothing (e.g., underneath acollar of a shirt), a first strip (e.g., strip 118 a) of the necktie 115having a first magnet (e.g., magnet 105 a) secured in the distal end maybe initially positioned to a first desired attachment location on theexterior of the shirt. Then, to secure the first strip to the shirt, afirst loose magnet (e.g., magnet 110 a) may then be positioned at afirst location on an interior side of the shirt to mate with the firstmagnet in the first strip.

Next, a second strip (e.g., strip 118 b) of the necktie 115 having asecond magnet (e.g., magnet 105 b) secured in the distal end may bepositioned to a second desired attachment location on the exterior ofthe shirt. Then, to secure the second strip to the shirt, a second loosemagnet (e.g., magnet 110 b) may then be positioned at a second locationon an interior side of the shirt to mate with second magnet in thesecond strip.

Using the attachment system 100 of the present disclosure with a necktie115 may eliminate any visual clues that would indicate the necktie 115is not a traditionally tied necktie.

FIG. 2 illustrates a second example implementation of a magnetic garmentattachment system 200 of the present disclosure. In someimplementations, the attachment system 200 includes a bow tie 225 havinga pre-formed bow 227 and a neck portion comprised of two strips 229 a,229 b extending from the bow 227.

In some implementations, each strip 229 a, 229 b includes a magnet 205a, 205 b, respectively, secured within the distal end of each strip 229a, 229 b.

The magnetic garment attachment system 200 further comprises loosemagnets 210 a, 210 b that are used in conjunction with magnets 205 a,205 b, respectively to secure the bow tie 225 to an article of clothing.

The magnetic garment attachment system 200 is similar to the magneticgarment attachment system 100 except that the clothing accessory is abow tie instead of a necktie. The bow tie 225 may be secured to anarticle of clothing (e.g., underneath a collar of a shirt), in the sameor similar manner as described with respect to the necktie 100 above.

FIG. 3 illustrates a third example implementation of a magnetic garmentattachment system 300 of the present disclosure. In someimplementations, the attachment system 300 includes a pocket square 335having a body portion 337 and a pre-formed decorative portion 339.

In some implementations, the body portion 337 is configured to be placedin a pocket of an article of clothing (e.g., the pocket of a jacket orshirt). In some implementations, the body portion 337 and decorativeportion 339 are configured such that the decorative portion 339 extendsabove the pocket of an article of clothing. In some implementations, theheight of the body portion 337 may be less than the depth of the pocketin which it is to be placed.

In some implementations, the decorative portion 339 is configured tomimic a pocket square placed in a pocket in a conventional manner. Insome implementations, the decorative portion 339 may comprise a piece ofmaterial similar to a handkerchief such as cotton, silk, or anysynthetic, semi-synthetic, or natural fiber, or combination thereof,suitable for use as part of a handkerchief.

In some implementations, a magnet 305 may be secured within the interiorof the body portion 337 of the pocket square 335 such that it is notvisible. The magnet 305 may be secured in a similar manner to themagnets 105. In some implementations, the magnet 305 may be secured inor near the center of the body portion 337. In some implementations, themagnets 305 may be secured at any suitable position within the bodyportion 337.

The magnetic garment attachment system 300 further comprises a loosemagnet 310 that may be used in conjunction with magnet 305 to secure thepocket square 335 to an article of clothing. In some implementations,magnets 305, 310 are similar to magnets 105, 110, respectively. In someimplementations, the magnets 305, 310 may have a square or rectangularshape. In some implementations, the magnets 305, 310 may be any suitableshape. In some implementations, two or more magnets may be used in placeof 305 and 310.

To secure a pocket square 335 to an article of clothing (e.g., withinthe pocket of a jacket or shirt), the body portion 337 of the pocketsquare 335 may be initially inserted into and the magnet 305 positionedat a first position in a pocket. In some implementations, once the bodyportion 337 is inserted into a pocket, only the decorative portion 339is readily visible. In this case, the magnets 305, 310 may be used tohelp prevent the pocket square 335 from moving. In some implementations,the height of the body portion 337 may be less than the depth of thepocket in which it is to be placed. In this case, the magnets 305, 310may be used to help position and maintain the position of the pocketsquare 335 such that the decorative portion 339 is visible.

To secure the body portion 337 to the interior of a pocket, a loosemagnet (e.g., magnet 310) may then be positioned at a first location onan interior side of the jacket or shirt to mate with the magnet 305 at afirst position in the pocket. In this way, the pocket square 335 isprevented from falling down or inadvertently moving during use.

Using the attachment system 300 of the present disclosure with a pocketsquare 335 may eliminate any visual clues that would indicate the pocketsquare 335 is not a traditional pocket square.

FIG. 4 illustrates a fourth example implementation of a magnetic garmentattachment system 400 of the present disclosure. In someimplementations, the attachment system 400 includes a handkerchief 445and a clip 455 having a magnet 405 attached thereto.

The magnetic garment attachment system 400 further comprises a loosemagnet 410 that may be used in conjunction with magnet 405 to secure thehandkerchief 445 to an article of clothing. In some implementations,magnets 405, 410 are similar to magnets 305, 310, respectively.

To secure a handkerchief 445 to an article of clothing (e.g., within thepocket of a jacket or shirt), in some implementations, the handkerchief445 may be arranged in any desirable manner. The clip 445 is thensecured about a portion of the handkerchief in a suitable location. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 4, the clip is attached around thehandkerchief 445 at an edge near the middle of the handkerchief.

The handkerchief 445 then may be inserted into, and the magnet 405positioned at, a first position in a pocket. To secure the handkerchief445 to the interior of a pocket, a loose magnet (e.g., magnet 410) maythen be positioned at a first location on an interior side of the jacketor shirt to mate with the magnet 405 at a first position in the pocket.In this way, the handkerchief 445 is prevented from falling down orinadvertently moving during use.

FIG. 5 illustrates a fifth example implementation of the magneticgarment attachment system 500 of the present disclosure. In someimplementations, the attachment system 500 includes a magnet 567 (e.g.,a pin, stud, and/or nail) and a loose magnet 510 that may be used inconjunction with the magnet 567 to secure a clothing accessory to anarticle of clothing.

For example, in some implementations, as shown in FIG. 5, a magnet 567may be inserted into a wrapping of a boutonniere 565 and then secured toan article of clothing through the use of the loose magnet 510. Morespecifically, the clothing accessory having a magnet 567 attachedthereto (e.g., a boutonniere 565) is positioned at a first position onthe exterior of an article of clothing (e.g., against the lapel of ajacket or tuxedo). A loose magnet (e.g., magnet 510) may then bepositioned at a first location on an interior side of the article ofclothing to mate with the magnet 567 at a first position on the exteriorof the article of clothing. In this way, the clothing accessory isprevented from damaging the article of clothing during attachment.

In some implementations, magnet 567 may have a polarity that is oppositein charge to a polarity of the loose magnet 510. In someimplementations, the magnetic connection between magnets 567 and 510 maybe shearable. In some implementations, the magnets 567, 510 may becomprised of a ferromagnetic material. In some implementations, themagnets 567, 510 may be rare-earth magnets (e.g., samarium-cobalt orneodymium-iron-boron). In some implementations, the magnets 567, 510 mayhave a cylindrical shape. In some implementations, the magnets 567, 510may have a rectangular shape. In some implementations, the magnets 567,510 may be any suitable shape.

Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “animplementation” or words of similar import means that a particulardescribed feature, structure, or characteristic is included in at leastone embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the phrase “in anembodiment” or “an implementation” or a phrase of similar import invarious places throughout this specification does not necessarily referto the same embodiment.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which theseinventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings.

The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combinedin any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the abovedescription, numerous specific details are provided for a thoroughunderstanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in therelevant art will recognize, however, that embodiments of the inventioncan be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or withother methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances,well-known structures, materials, or operations may not be shown ordescribed in detail.

1. A necktie comprising: a knot portion comprising a pre-formed knot, atongue portion extending downwardly from the knot, and a neck portioncomprised of a first strip and a second strip, wherein each stripextends from the knot portion, wherein the first strip includes a firststrip magnet attached to the first strip, and wherein the second stripincludes a second strip magnet attached to the second strip; and a firstloose magnet and second loose magnet, wherein each of the first andsecond loose magnets have a polarity that is opposite in charge to apolarity of each of the first and second strip magnets, respectively. 2.The necktie of claim 1 wherein the first strip magnet and the secondstrip magnet are secured within the interior of the first strip andsecond strip respectively, such that they are not visible.
 3. Thenecktie of claim 1 wherein the first strip magnet and the second stripmagnet are attached on the exterior of the first strip and second striprespectively.
 4. The necktie of claim 1 wherein the first strip magnetand the second strip magnet are attached at the distal end of the firststrip and second strip, respectively.
 5. A method of securing thenecktie of claim 1 to an article of clothing, the method comprising:positioning the first strip having the first strip magnet at a firstdesired attachment location on an exterior side of the article ofclothing; positioning the first loose magnet at a first location on aninterior side of the article of clothing such that the first loosemagnet mates with the first strip magnet in the first strip to securethe first strip to the article of clothing; positioning the second striphaving the second strip magnet at a second desired attachment locationon the exterior side of the article of clothing; and positioning thesecond loose magnet at a first location on an interior side of thearticle of clothing such that the second loose magnet mates with thesecond strip magnet in the second strip to secure the second strip tothe article of clothing.
 6. A bow tie comprising: a bow portioncomprising a pre-formed bow, a neck portion comprised of a first stripand a second strip, wherein each strip extends from the bow portion,wherein the first strip includes a first strip magnet attached to thefirst strip, and wherein the second strip includes a second strip magnetattached to the second strip; and a first loose magnet and second loosemagnet, wherein each of the first and second loose magnets have apolarity that is opposite in charge to a polarity of each of the firstand second strip magnets, respectively.
 7. The bow tie of claim 6wherein the first strip magnet and the second strip magnet are securedwithin the interior of the first strip and second strip respectively,such that they are not visible.
 8. The bow tie of claim 6 wherein thefirst strip magnet and the second strip magnet are attached on theexterior of the first strip and second strip respectively.
 9. The bowtie of claim 6 wherein the first strip magnet and the second stripmagnet are attached at the distal end of the first strip and secondstrip, respectively.
 10. A method of securing the bow tie of claim 6 toan article of clothing, the method comprising: positioning the firststrip having the first strip magnet at a first desired attachmentlocation on an exterior side of the article of clothing; positioning thefirst loose magnet at a first location on an interior side of thearticle of clothing such that the first loose magnet mates with thefirst strip magnet in the first strip to secure the first strip to thearticle of clothing; positioning the second strip having the secondstrip magnet at a second desired attachment location on the exteriorside of the article of clothing; and positioning the second loose magnetat a first location on an interior side of the article of clothing suchthat the second loose magnet mates with the second strip magnet in thesecond strip to secure the second strip to the article of clothing. 11.A pocket square comprising: a body portion configured to be placed in apocket; a pre-formed portion extending from the body portion; a firstmagnet attached to the body portion; and a second magnet wherein thesecond magnet has a polarity that is opposite in charge to a polarity ofthe first magnet.
 12. A method of securing the pocket square of claim 11within a pocket of an article of clothing, the method comprising:inserting the body portion into a pocket and positioning the firstmagnet at a first position in the pocket; and positioning the secondmagnet at a first location on an interior side of the article ofclothing such that the second magnet mates with the first magnet on thebody portion to secure the pocket square within the pocket;
 13. A methodof claim 12 wherein the height of the body portion is less than thedepth of the pocket, wherein positioning the first magnet at a firstposition in the pocket comprises positioning the first magnet at a firstposition in the pocket such that the a portion of the pre-formed portionextends above the pocket of the article of clothing.
 14. A boutonnierecomprising: one or more flowers; a wrapping encasing the one or morestems of the one or more flowers; a first magnet located in thewrapping; and a second magnet wherein the second magnet has a polaritythat is opposite in charge to a polarity of the first magnet.
 15. Amethod of securing the boutonniere of claim 14 to an article ofclothing, the method comprising: positioning the first magnet at a firstposition on the exterior of an article of clothing; and positioning thesecond magnet at a first location on an interior side of the article ofclothing such that the second magnet mates with the first magnet tosecure the boutonniere to the article of clothing.